The Generalife of Granada is a palace and series of large gardens that was built in the 13th century during the reign of Muhammad III (1302–1309) and remodelled and added to several times over the centuries. Positioned on the slopes of the Hill of the Sun, or Cerro del Sol, the whole estate offers amazing panoramic views over the city below. It was the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers of the Emirate of Granada in Al-Andalus but is thought to have originally been an architect's house that later passed to the royal family and remodelled accordingly. One of the translations of the name is actually “garden of the architect”, though there are multiple interpretations and theories.
Conceived as a place for leisure and relaxation, it was an escape from the official affairs of the palace and, accordingly, is a stunning place where plant life, landscaping, buildings and views are all combined masterfully to create a gorgeous oasis of calm. If you find a vacation rental in Granada, it is definitely a must-see attraction and pit-stop to pencil in to an itinerary of the town.
Composed of a series of large gardens and two groups of buildings connected by the Patio of the Irrigation Ditch (Patio de la Acequia), which is the true heart of the Generalife, it is lovely but also hard to imagine in its original form due to how much it was rebuilt and altered over the centuries. There is also a lack of the rich decorative features and details that other similar structures boast.
Despite this, it is one of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens and a UNESCO awarded site for a reason; lush, beautiful and filled with gorgeous light and offering amazing views, it is a truly lovely place.
Opening hours:
From the 15th of October to the 14th of March: Monday-Sunday, 8.30am to 6pm
From the 15th of March to the 14th of October: Monday-Sunday: 8.30am to 8pm
18009 Granada, Spain
Composed of a series of large gardens and two groups of buildings connected by the Patio of the Irrigation Ditch (Patio de la Acequia), which is the true heart of the Generalife, it is lovely but also hard to imagine in its original form due to how much it was rebuilt and altered over the centuries. There is also a lack of the rich decorative features and details that other similar structures boast.
Despite this, it is one of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens and a UNESCO awarded site for a reason; lush, beautiful and filled with gorgeous light and offering amazing views, it is a truly lovely place.
Opening hours:
From the 15th of October to the 14th of March: Monday-Sunday, 8.30am to 6pm
From the 15th of March to the 14th of October: Monday-Sunday: 8.30am to 8pm
18009 Granada, Spain